Andy Ramey, Ph.D.
Through my service at the USGS Alaska Science Center, I support the development and application of genetic and genomic tools to advance molecular ecology research pertaining to wildlife health and disease, population genetics, and environmental DNA. Research in the Molecular Ecology Lab promotes informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
I currently serve as the Director of the Molecular Ecology Lab at the USGS Alaska Science Center. The team of scientists working in the Molecular Ecology Lab develops and applies tools to obtain information on the health, distribution, and genomic characteristics of biological natural resources. This includes collecting and interpreting data on the health and disease status of fish and wildlife, the genetics of animal and plant populations, and the distribution of animals and pathogens using environmental DNA. We use this information to help partners and the public to make informed decisions regarding the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
Professional Experience
2012 - Present Research Wildlife Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2006 - 2012 Geneticist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2003 - 2006 Wildlife Biologist, USGS Alaska Science Center, Alaska
2001 - 2002 Biological Science Technician, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. 2015 University of Georgia, Athens, GA Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
B.S. 2001 Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO Fishery Biology and Wildlife Biology
Affiliations and Memberships*
Associate Editor: Journal of Wildlife Diseases (2016 - present)
Associate Editor: Ornithology (2020 – present)
Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Ornithological Society (elected), Wildlife Disease Association
Reviewer: more than 35 journal outlets
Honors and Awards
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Star Award: 2002
U.S. Geological Survey Star Award: 2003, 2007 - 2009
U.S. Geological Survey performance awards: 2010 - 2022
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Molecular Ecology Laboratory
The main objectives of the USGS ASC molecular ecology research program are to 1) Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about species and population diagnosis, biodiversity, and health of wildlife and their habitats to inform decision making by management agencies and 2) Provide state-of-the-art molecular science applications and protocols for USGS, Department of Interior, and other partners.
Filter Total Items: 31
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
Antimicrobial resistance testing, and qPCR detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water and gull (Larus spp.) feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021 Antimicrobial resistance testing, and qPCR detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water and gull (Larus spp.) feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021
This data set includes information on collections of surface water and fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at two locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl
These data represent mercury contamination, influenza infection, and body condition in 11 species of dabbling and diving ducks in the Pacific Flyway. These data support a USGS lead scientific publication.
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA (3) water quality measurement from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA, (4) genetic sequence data for IAVs recovered from replicate...
Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016 Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016
This dataset provides two tables of blood parasite infection data collected from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) on Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016. Three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) were detected by molecular sequencing of a 479 bp fragment of the Cytochrome-b gene. The data provided in the tables are: 1) age, sex, mass, infection status...
Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014 Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014
This dataset includes one table of blood parasite (hematozoa) infection data from 197 Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and 110 Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima) sampled on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, in 1998 and 2014. Three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) were detected by molecular sequencing of a 479 bp fragment of the Cytochrome-b gene...
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for three large-bodied gull species and hybrids (Larus species) utilizing coastal areas of Alaska. Child Item 1: "Argos and GPS Satellite Tracking Data for Three Large-Bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos and Argos-linked GPS satellite transmitters.
Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls
This data set includes information on collections of fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at seven locations in Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data for six North American wetlands, (3) water quality measurement from those wetlands, (4) laboratory-based study of viral viability using Minnesota wetland water, (5) naive mallards challenged experimentally with IAVs identified from the field experiment...
Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry
This data release contains model outputs depicting the probability of an H5 or H7 avian influenza outbreak at any given point in the continental United States for each week of the year.
Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019 Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019
This dataset is three tables with details of samples and aliquots of waterfowl feces deposited in filtered surface water collected from an urban waterbody in Anchorage, Alaska in 2018-2019. Sample vials were submerged underwater in the same waterbody from which the samples were collected and the samples were tested for the presence and viability of influenza A virus. Temperature data and...
DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and allele sizes for 69 individual Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Chagulak Island, Alaska and Hafnarey Island, Iceland. Fulmar allele sizes are provided for 10 previously published and 26 novel microsatellite loci. Additionally, allele sizes for the 26 microsatellite loci developed in this study are included...
Filter Total Items: 118
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using...
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Scott, Cherie Mckeeman, Andrew Ramey
Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon
The development and application of approaches to detect and quantify environmental DNA (eDNA) have potential to improve our understanding of the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar and Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Here, we review 61 articles focusing on eDNA applications pertaining to salmon occupying natural habitat and aquaculture facilities in the...
Authors
Andrew Ramey, Cherie Mckeeman, Eleni Leto Petrou, Damian Menning, Ora Russ, Andres Lopez
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided...
Authors
Andrew Ramey, Laura Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan Buck, Alison Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
High pathogenicity avian influenza represents an unprecedented conservation challenge for globally declining seabird populations. Response to: Editorial, Protect wildlife from livestock diseases (Thijs Kuiken & Ruth Cromie) High pathogenicity avian influenza represents an unprecedented conservation challenge for globally declining seabird populations. Response to: Editorial, Protect wildlife from livestock diseases (Thijs Kuiken & Ruth Cromie)
No abstract available.
Authors
Michelle Wille, Stephanie Avery-Gomm, Valentina Caliendo, Kees Camphuysen, E. Humphreys, Andrew Lang, Emma Philip, Andrew Ramey, Jolianne Rijks, Gregory Robertson, Laura Robertson
Avian influenza in wild birds Avian influenza in wild birds
Influenza A viruses (IAVs)maintained among wild waterfowl, gulls, shorebirds, and some seabirds, and typically do not cause disease. Some avian-origin IAVs that have previously spilled over into domestic poultry have developed a highly pathogenic phenotype and have become important pathogens affecting both wild birds and poultry. These avian-origin IAVs have important implications to the
Authors
Andrew Ramey
Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks
A Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of the clade 2.3.4.4b (Goose/Guangdong lineage) was detected in migratory bird populations in North America in December 2021, and it, along with its reassortants, have since caused wild and domestic bird outbreaks across the continent. Relative to previous outbreaks, HPAIV cases among wild birds in 2022 exhibited wider...
Authors
Jennifer Provencher, Alana Wilcox, Samantha Gibbs, Lesley-Anne Howes, Mark Mallory, Margo Pybus, Andrew Ramey, Eric Reed, Chris Sharp, Catherine Soos, Iga Stasiak, Jim Leafloor
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
Objectives A variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew Ramey
Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a global threat to human health and are increasingly being isolated from nonclinical settings. OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli sequence type 38 (ST38) is the most frequently reported CRE type in wild birds and has been detected in gulls or storks in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The epidemiology and evolution of CRE in...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Hanna Woksepp, Linus Sandegren, Andrew Ramey, Jonas Bonnedahl
Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration
Understanding relationships between infection and wildlife movement patterns is important for predicting pathogen spread, especially for multispecies pathogens and those that can spread to humans and domestic animals, such as avian influenza viruses (AIVs). Although infection with low pathogenic AIVs is generally considered asymptomatic in wild birds, prior work has shown that influenza...
Authors
Claire Teitelbaum, Michael Casazza, Fiona McDuie, Susan De La Cruz, Cory Overton, Laurie Hall, Elliott Matchett, Josh Ackerman, Jeffery Sullivan, Andrew Ramey, Diann Prosser
Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos) Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)
To assess infection with or exposure to endo- and ectoparasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos), blood and fecal samples were collected during 2013–17 from five locations: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; Katmai National Park; Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; Yakutat Forelands; and Kodiak Island. Standard fecal centrifugal flotation was used to screen for...
Authors
Ellen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael Yabsley, Kevin Niedrighaus, Andrew Ramey, Guilherme Verocai, Grant Hilderbrant, Kyle Joly, Dave Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William Leacock, Anthony Crupi, Christopher Cleveland
A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska
Tularemia is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by one of several subspecies of Francisella tularensis bacteria. Infections by F. tularensis are common throughout the northern hemisphere and have been detected in more than 250 wildlife species. In Alaska, US, where the pathogen was first identified in 1938, studies have identified F. tularensis antibodies in a diverse suite of taxa...
Authors
Matthew Smith, Caroline Van Hemert, Todd Atwood, David Sinnett, Jerry Hupp, Brandt W Meixell, David Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Andrew Ramey
Avian influenza antibody prevalence increases with mercury contamination in wild waterfowl Avian influenza antibody prevalence increases with mercury contamination in wild waterfowl
Environmental contamination is widespread and can negatively impact wildlife health. Some contaminants, including heavy metals, have immunosuppressive effects, but prior studies have rarely measured contamination and disease simultaneously, which limits our understanding of how contaminants and pathogens interact to influence wildlife health. Here, we measured mercury concentrations...
Authors
Claire Teitelbaum, Josh Ackerman, Mason Hill, Jaqueline Satter, Michael Casazza, Susan De La Cruz, Walter Boyce, Evan Buck, John Eadie, Mark Herzog, Elliott Matchett, Cory Overton, Sarah Peterson, Magdalena Plancarte, Andrew Ramey, Jeffery Sullivan, Diann Prosser
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Molecular Ecology Laboratory
The main objectives of the USGS ASC molecular ecology research program are to 1) Identify and fill gaps in our knowledge about species and population diagnosis, biodiversity, and health of wildlife and their habitats to inform decision making by management agencies and 2) Provide state-of-the-art molecular science applications and protocols for USGS, Department of Interior, and other partners.
Filter Total Items: 31
Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions Molecular Detection and Characterization of Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in Wild Birds Inhabiting Western Alaska Provides Evidence for Three Independent Viral Introductions
This data set describes three independent viral introductions of Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses into Alaska.
Antimicrobial resistance testing, and qPCR detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water and gull (Larus spp.) feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021 Antimicrobial resistance testing, and qPCR detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in surface water and gull (Larus spp.) feces on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, 2021
This data set includes information on collections of surface water and fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at two locations on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl Data measuring avian influenza infection, mercury concentration, and body condition in wild waterfowl
These data represent mercury contamination, influenza infection, and body condition in 11 species of dabbling and diving ducks in the Pacific Flyway. These data support a USGS lead scientific publication.
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA (3) water quality measurement from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA, (4) genetic sequence data for IAVs recovered from replicate...
Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016 Blood Parasite Infection, Body Mass, and Survival Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016
This dataset provides two tables of blood parasite infection data collected from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) on Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 2006-2016. Three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) were detected by molecular sequencing of a 479 bp fragment of the Cytochrome-b gene. The data provided in the tables are: 1) age, sex, mass, infection status...
Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014 Blood Parasite Infection Data from Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima), Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, 1998-2014
This dataset includes one table of blood parasite (hematozoa) infection data from 197 Emperor Geese (Anser canagicus) and 110 Cackling Geese (Branta hutchinsii minima) sampled on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, in 1998 and 2014. Three genera of blood parasites (Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus, Plasmodium) were detected by molecular sequencing of a 479 bp fragment of the Cytochrome-b gene...
Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) Tracking Data for Three Large-bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.)
This data release includes 2 child items with tracking data for three large-bodied gull species and hybrids (Larus species) utilizing coastal areas of Alaska. Child Item 1: "Argos and GPS Satellite Tracking Data for Three Large-Bodied Gull Species and Hybrids (Larus spp.) - Processed Data" -- Quality-controlled data collected from Argos and Argos-linked GPS satellite transmitters.
Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls Data for Continental-Scale Dispersal of Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria by Alaska Landfill-Foraging Gulls
This data set includes information on collections of fecal samples from wild gulls (Larus spp.) at seven locations in Alaska, USA. Samples were screened for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and tested for resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in North American Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data for six North American wetlands, (3) water quality measurement from those wetlands, (4) laboratory-based study of viral viability using Minnesota wetland water, (5) naive mallards challenged experimentally with IAVs identified from the field experiment...
Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry Waterfowl occurrence and residence time as indicators of H5 and H7 avian in?uenza in North American Poultry
This data release contains model outputs depicting the probability of an H5 or H7 avian influenza outbreak at any given point in the continental United States for each week of the year.
Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019 Influenza A Virus Persistence Data from an Urban Wetland in Anchorage, Alaska, 2018-2019
This dataset is three tables with details of samples and aliquots of waterfowl feces deposited in filtered surface water collected from an urban waterbody in Anchorage, Alaska in 2018-2019. Sample vials were submerged underwater in the same waterbody from which the samples were collected and the samples were tested for the presence and viability of influenza A virus. Temperature data and...
DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species DNA Microsatellite Markers for Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis) and Cross-species Amplification in Select Seabird Species
This data set is comprised of one table with sampling information and allele sizes for 69 individual Northern Fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) from Chagulak Island, Alaska and Hafnarey Island, Iceland. Fulmar allele sizes are provided for 10 previously published and 26 novel microsatellite loci. Additionally, allele sizes for the 26 microsatellite loci developed in this study are included...
Filter Total Items: 118
Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models Molecular sexing of birds using quantitative PCR (qPCR) of sex-linked genes and logistic regression models
The ability to sex individuals is an important component of many behavioural and ecological investigations and provides information for demographic models used in conservation and species management. However, many birds are difficult to sex using morphological characters or traditional molecular sexing methods. In this study, we developed probabilistic models for sexing birds using...
Authors
Eleni Leto Petrou, Laura Scott, Cherie Mckeeman, Andrew Ramey
Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon Environmental DNA as a tool for better understanding the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic and Pacific salmon
The development and application of approaches to detect and quantify environmental DNA (eDNA) have potential to improve our understanding of the distribution, abundance, and health of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar and Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Here, we review 61 articles focusing on eDNA applications pertaining to salmon occupying natural habitat and aquaculture facilities in the...
Authors
Andrew Ramey, Cherie Mckeeman, Eleni Leto Petrou, Damian Menning, Ora Russ, Andres Lopez
Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September–October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided...
Authors
Andrew Ramey, Laura Scott, Christina Ahlstrom, Evan Buck, Alison Williams, Mia Kim Torchetti, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson
High pathogenicity avian influenza represents an unprecedented conservation challenge for globally declining seabird populations. Response to: Editorial, Protect wildlife from livestock diseases (Thijs Kuiken & Ruth Cromie) High pathogenicity avian influenza represents an unprecedented conservation challenge for globally declining seabird populations. Response to: Editorial, Protect wildlife from livestock diseases (Thijs Kuiken & Ruth Cromie)
No abstract available.
Authors
Michelle Wille, Stephanie Avery-Gomm, Valentina Caliendo, Kees Camphuysen, E. Humphreys, Andrew Lang, Emma Philip, Andrew Ramey, Jolianne Rijks, Gregory Robertson, Laura Robertson
Avian influenza in wild birds Avian influenza in wild birds
Influenza A viruses (IAVs)maintained among wild waterfowl, gulls, shorebirds, and some seabirds, and typically do not cause disease. Some avian-origin IAVs that have previously spilled over into domestic poultry have developed a highly pathogenic phenotype and have become important pathogens affecting both wild birds and poultry. These avian-origin IAVs have important implications to the
Authors
Andrew Ramey
Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks Baiting and banding: Expert opinion on how bait trapping may influence the occurrence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) among dabbling ducks
A Eurasian lineage highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) of the clade 2.3.4.4b (Goose/Guangdong lineage) was detected in migratory bird populations in North America in December 2021, and it, along with its reassortants, have since caused wild and domestic bird outbreaks across the continent. Relative to previous outbreaks, HPAIV cases among wild birds in 2022 exhibited wider...
Authors
Jennifer Provencher, Alana Wilcox, Samantha Gibbs, Lesley-Anne Howes, Mark Mallory, Margo Pybus, Andrew Ramey, Eric Reed, Chris Sharp, Catherine Soos, Iga Stasiak, Jim Leafloor
Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing Environmental antimicrobial resistance gene detection from wild bird habitats using two methods: A commercially available culture-independent qPCR assay and culture of indicator bacteria followed by whole-genome sequencing
Objectives A variety of methods have been developed to detect antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in different environments to better understand the evolution and dissemination of this public health threat. Comparisons of results generated using different AMR detection methods, such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), are often imperfect, and few studies have...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Laura Scott, Hanna Woksepp, Jonas Bonnedahl, Andrew Ramey
Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches Exchange of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli Sequence Type 38 intercontinentally and among wild bird, human, and environmental niches
Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a global threat to human health and are increasingly being isolated from nonclinical settings. OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli sequence type 38 (ST38) is the most frequently reported CRE type in wild birds and has been detected in gulls or storks in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The epidemiology and evolution of CRE in...
Authors
Christina Ahlstrom, Hanna Woksepp, Linus Sandegren, Andrew Ramey, Jonas Bonnedahl
Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration Waterfowl recently infected with low pathogenic avian influenza exhibit reduced local movement and delayed migration
Understanding relationships between infection and wildlife movement patterns is important for predicting pathogen spread, especially for multispecies pathogens and those that can spread to humans and domestic animals, such as avian influenza viruses (AIVs). Although infection with low pathogenic AIVs is generally considered asymptomatic in wild birds, prior work has shown that influenza...
Authors
Claire Teitelbaum, Michael Casazza, Fiona McDuie, Susan De La Cruz, Cory Overton, Laurie Hall, Elliott Matchett, Josh Ackerman, Jeffery Sullivan, Andrew Ramey, Diann Prosser
Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos) Survey for selected parasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos)
To assess infection with or exposure to endo- and ectoparasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos), blood and fecal samples were collected during 2013–17 from five locations: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; Katmai National Park; Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; Yakutat Forelands; and Kodiak Island. Standard fecal centrifugal flotation was used to screen for...
Authors
Ellen Haynes, Sarah Coker, Michael Yabsley, Kevin Niedrighaus, Andrew Ramey, Guilherme Verocai, Grant Hilderbrant, Kyle Joly, Dave Gustine, Buck Mangipane, William Leacock, Anthony Crupi, Christopher Cleveland
A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska A serological survey of Francisella tularensis exposure in wildlife on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska
Tularemia is an infectious zoonotic disease caused by one of several subspecies of Francisella tularensis bacteria. Infections by F. tularensis are common throughout the northern hemisphere and have been detected in more than 250 wildlife species. In Alaska, US, where the pathogen was first identified in 1938, studies have identified F. tularensis antibodies in a diverse suite of taxa...
Authors
Matthew Smith, Caroline Van Hemert, Todd Atwood, David Sinnett, Jerry Hupp, Brandt W Meixell, David Gustine, Layne G. Adams, Andrew Ramey
Avian influenza antibody prevalence increases with mercury contamination in wild waterfowl Avian influenza antibody prevalence increases with mercury contamination in wild waterfowl
Environmental contamination is widespread and can negatively impact wildlife health. Some contaminants, including heavy metals, have immunosuppressive effects, but prior studies have rarely measured contamination and disease simultaneously, which limits our understanding of how contaminants and pathogens interact to influence wildlife health. Here, we measured mercury concentrations...
Authors
Claire Teitelbaum, Josh Ackerman, Mason Hill, Jaqueline Satter, Michael Casazza, Susan De La Cruz, Walter Boyce, Evan Buck, John Eadie, Mark Herzog, Elliott Matchett, Cory Overton, Sarah Peterson, Magdalena Plancarte, Andrew Ramey, Jeffery Sullivan, Diann Prosser
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government